more help needed to understand semicolon rule?

Answer 1

There are two main functions of a semi-colon:

-to separate items in a list, particularly when those items are grammatically complex.

For example, in this first sentence, a comma is enough to separate the items because they are simple names.

When we went to London, we visited Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.


In the next sentence, I use semi-colons because of the complexity of the items in the list.

When we went to London, we got our visas renewed at the Saudi embassy; we attended several inter-departmental meetings to discuss the roll-out of the new training schemes; the Marketing manager introduced us to the new team members and we attended and awards ceremony hosted by the MD to honour the year's high-achievers.


We also use semi-colons when there is a link between two consecutive (but grammatically independent) sentences. Usually the second sentence adds extra information to the first. For example:

Please make sure that all your clients are conversant with our new office hours; from Monday, they will be brought forward one hour to start at 07.30.

In the above sentence, we could just make one sentence by changing the colon to a conjunction like "because", but that would blur or muddle the original instruction. A full-stop is also possible but doesn't indicate a direct link between the two sentences.

Answer 2

There are several rules that govern semicolon placement:

1. Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction: "I went to the pool; it was closed."
2. Use a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a transitional phrase or conjunctive adverb: "I like to ride horses; however, they don't like to be ridden by me."
3. Use a semicolon between items in a series containing internal punctuation: "There are several Waffle Houses in Atlanta, Georgia; Greenville, South Carolina; Pensacola, Florida; and Mobile, Alabama."

Answer 3

Use when a full stop is too strong, but a comma is too weak. When you are linking two or more simple sentences without a conjunction, e.g. The robber hoped to get off lightly; instead he got ten years.
Also use to punctuate long lists where individual items already require the use of a comma:
The four disciples closet to Jesus were: Peter, known also by the names Simon and Cephas; James, the first of the disciples to be martyred; John, etc.

Answer 4

Its very similar to the colon rule. Eat lots of fiber and laxatives and you will make it into only a semicolon.